The years go by at Marc Vannetelbosch’s place, and lovers of Italian wines in Leuven still have trouble knowing where to start… All thanks to his carefully-curated selection of 100% natural wines, begging to be popped open and enjoyed either at the countertop bar, around one of the few tables or outside on the terrace. Get the 411 with a horizonal tasting of the family of wines from Furlani in Trento (€16-28), funky bottles from I Vini di Giovanni in Umbria (€18) or a few references from Babacàn in Valtellina (€24-62). Soak it all up with cheese or charcuterie platters (pecorino, guanciale, salami), canned sardines or even fancy little dishes whipped up on the spot (anchovy and robiola crostini, herby asparagus and goat cheese frittata). Added bonus: all the wines are available to buy via the wine shop’s website. // Barbara Gù

THE BULLET-PROOF BOTTLE: A gem of a vermouth from the aforementioned Cantina Furlani (28 €).